Police offer R300 000 after murders

The Free State police are offering a reward of R300 000 to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the killers of two policemen in Koffiefontein.

The reward is part of the intensive investigation into the brutal murder of the two constables, Obert Boitumelo Mekoa (32) and Mzonani David Manjo (32).

Brig. Motantsi Makhele, provincial spokesperson, says a joint team led by the Hawks is investigating the murders. The investigation involves two counts of murder and armed robbery.

Makhele says Mekoa died due to a bullet to the head and Manjo due to two bullets, one to the neck and another to the back. He says the officers had been on duty at the Koffiefontein Community Service Centre when they were ambushed.

Makhele says their bodies were discovered by their colleagues upon returning to the station from a patrol on Thursday, 29 June, at about 04:00.

“One service pistol, believed to belong to one of the deceased police members, is also missing.”

Makhele says the killers are still on the run.

Lt.Gen. Lebeoana Tsumane, provincial commissioner, has described the killing of the two officers as the saddest day for the police in the Free State.

In February, Const. Jongindaba Mtiyane (30) was killed in the line of duty.

He had reportedly been attacked by three armed unidentified men who shot at him and a colleague while they were on duty at the Sonskyn Satellite Police Station in Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein.

An investigation revealed that he had been shot three times and that the killers had been wearing balaclavas when they stormed into the satellite office.

Mtiyane’s colleague had escaped unharmed.

One of the three armed suspects was reportedly shot and wounded in the crossfire at the station, as blood was found in a white Volkswagen Polo which had been abandoned in the vicinity of Bloemspruit.

The police appeals to anyone with information regarding the killing of the two officers in Koffiefontein to call Capt. Francois Laux on 082-854-7530. The Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, can also be used.

People can also report to their nearest police station.

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